In what will add to the understanding of Maharashtra's pre-history and evolution, the state archaeology department will launch excavations at three locations, including a late-stone age site.
"We have applied to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for excavation licenses at three sites — Ambejogai, Patne in Jalgaon and Nagardhan near Ramtek in Nagpur," said Tejas Garge, Director, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. The excavations are likely to be conducted from December to March.
Located near Chalisgaon in Jalgaon, Patne has evidence of upper Paleolithic settlements. Excavations by archaeologist Shankarrao Sali in the 1970s had revealed stone tools, bones and even ostrich eggshells.
"This (recovery of ostrich shells) shows the existence of ostriches in this area around 25,000 to 40,000 years ago. Hence this is an important site. The re-excavation and use of new dating methods will help us see Maharashtra's history in a new light," added Garge, stating that the project would be conducted along with the Indian Institute of Science.
Garge said a Yadav-era or late Chalukya-era temple and sculptures at the Ambejogai site were discovered accidentally when digging was being carried out at a burial site of the Lingayat community in the town. "We plan to excavate and protect the 12th-century site," he noted, adding that the sculptures would be shifted to a hall belonging to the Ambejogai civic body.
The directorate has also applied for an excavation license at Nagardhan near Ramtek, where excavations were conducted for two years. Nagardhan, which was called Nandivardhan, was ruled by the Vakataka dynasty and excavations have thrown up articles including those made of terracotta, wood, ivory, metal and baked mud.
RICH HISTORY
- In the 1980s, Arvind Jamkhedkar, archaeologist and Indologist, conducted excavations at the Rashtrakuta-era Kandhar fort at Nanded.
- In 2014, the directorate excavated the Satavahan-era site of Ter in Osmanabad. Called Tagar in ancient times, it carried out trade with the Romans.
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